Modular housing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Described herein are systems, modes, and methods for mounting one or more electronic housings to each other and to a rack mount system, a table mount system, or wall mount system. The mounting system includes a first pair of matching sliding panels that interface with each other in a slidingly engaging manner. Each of the first pair of sliding panels can be mounted to housings prior to being engaged with each other; the engagement of the first pair of sliding panels removably fixes the two housings together; additional housings can be fixed to the first two in a substantially similar manner. The first pair of sliding panels includes a U-shaped sliding panel and a C-shaped sliding panel, and according to a second embodiment, a second pair of sliding panels includes a C-shaped sliding panel and a Pi-shaped sliding panel. The second pair of sliding panels operates in a substantially similar manner as the first pair of sliding panels.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/345,093, filed 3 Jun. 2016,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The embodiments described herein relate generally to electroniccomponents and their housings, and more specifically to systems,methods, and modes for joining equipment housings together in a racksystem, table top system, wall mount system, or under the table system.

Background Art

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate several known component housing rack mountingsystems used for securing rack mounted components to each other and therack itself. Shown in FIG. 1A is rack mounting system 100, whichcomprises rack mounting panel 102 affixed to the front of componenthousing 106, which houses the electronics or other components thatperforms whatever function the device is designed to perform. Examplesof such rack mounting equipment can include communications devices suchas switches, or audio equipment such as amplifiers, mixers, digitalsignal processors, equalizers, among other related equipment. Rackmounted equipment can also include video equipment such as transmitters,receivers, switches, and other types of related components, as well astest equipment, and specially designed equipment. Regardless of thefunction of the device, those of skill in the art can appreciate thatthe existing solutions for mounting the equipment housing to the rackand/or each other involves numerous steps, wasted space, and the need tomaintain and store numerous screws and/bolts for securing the equipmentto each other and the rack. The main modes of securing the rack mountedequipment include the rack mounting holes 104 through which nuts andbolts, and other joining pieces are used to secure the rack mountedequipment to each other and to the rack.

As shown in FIG. 1B, screws can be used to assemble housing 106 to aU-bracket in the manner shown. Referring to FIG. 1C, a different type ofbracket assembly is shown to which housing 106 can be attached to. Asshown in FIG. 1D, a rack mount bracket is used to secure housing 106 toa rack system. FIG. 1E illustrates a different type of rack mountbracket, one in which housing 106 (not shown in FIG. 1E) can sit uponand be attached to by one or more screws. FIG. 1F illustrates adifferent type of rack mount bracket system, one in which there is aplate screwed to two housings 106 a,b to assemble them together, and twoL-shaped brackets to attach the two housings to a rack system. Referringto FIG. 1G, by way of further example, joining plate (plate) 108 joinsfirst and second housings 106 a,b together through use of screws/bolts110 a-d. Plate 108 sits in a slightly recessed area.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for improving the systems, methods, andmodes for joining equipment housings together in a rack system.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least theproblems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at leastone or more of the advantages described below.

It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems,methods, and modes for joining equipment housings together in a racksystem, table top system, wall mount system, or under the table system.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, aswell as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presentedherein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will beapparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on theteachings contained herein.

According to a first aspect of the embodiments, a modular housingapparatus is provided, comprising: a system for joining electronicequipment housings together in a rack system, the system comprising: afirst substantially planar, substantially parallelogram H-shaped cubicpanel (first panel) comprising a first edge, a second opposing edge(second edge), a first U-shaped channel on the first edge, a secondU-shaped channel on the second edge; and a second substantially planar,substantially parallelogram C-shaped cubic panel (second panel)comprising a first U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidingly engage andmate with the first U-shaped channel on the first edge of the firstpanel, and a second U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidingly engage andmate with the second U-shaped channel on the second edge of the firstpanel.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of the first andsecond U-shaped lip channels comprise: a lip portion adapted toslidingly engage and fit into respective first and second U-shapedchannels on the first and second edges.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, each of the first andsecond U-shaped channels comprise: an outer wall portion that has afirst height extending from an uppermost portion of the respective edgeto a bottom of the U-shaped channel; and an inner wall portion that hasa second height extending from an uppermost portion of the inner wall tothe bottom of the U-shaped channel, and wherein a depth of the U-shapedchannel is substantially similar to the second height.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the second height isless than the first height, and a length of the lip portion is just lessthan the depth of the U-shaped channel.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housings.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housings.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housings.

According to the first aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housings.

According to a second aspect of the embodiments, a system for joiningelectronic equipment housings together in a rack system is provided, thesystem comprising: a first substantially planar, substantiallyparallelogram Pi-shaped cubic panel (first panel) comprising a firstedge, an opposing second edge (second edge), a first protruding channelstop placed a first distance away from, and substantially parallel to,the first edge, a second protruding channel stop placed a seconddistance away from, and substantially parallel to, the second edge; anda second substantially planar, substantially parallelogram C-shapedcubic panel (second panel) comprising a first U-shaped lip channeladapted to slidingly engage and mate with the first protruding channelstop and the first edge of the first panel, and a second U-shaped lipchannel adapted to slidingly engage and mate with the second protrudingchannel stop and the second edge of the first panel.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, each of the first andsecond U-shaped lip channels comprise: a lip portion adapted toslidingly engage and fit onto respective first and second protrudingchannel stops.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housing.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housing.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be attached a respective one of the housing.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housing.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, each of the first andsecond protruding channel stops comprises a first surface extending froma first side of the first panel having a first width, and each of thelip portions includes an inner surface that interfaces with respectiveones of the first and second protruding channel stops, and wherein eachof the lip portions comprise a second surface having a second widthdimension substantially equal to the first width dimension.

According to the second aspect of the embodiments, the first panelfurther comprises a first height that extends from an outer surface ofrespective ones of the first and second protruding channel stops to anouter surface of respective ones of the edges, and the second portionfurther comprises a depth of the U-shaped channel that is substantiallyequal to the first height, such that the portion of the first panel thatcorresponds to the first height fits in a slidingly engagingly mannerwithin the U-shaped channel.

According to a third aspect of the embodiments, a system for joiningelectronic equipment housings together in a rack system is provided, thesystem comprising: a substantially planar, substantially parallelogramPi-shaped cubic panel (first panel) comprising—a mounting side, aninterface side opposite and substantially parallel to, the mountingside, a first edge, a first sloped surface located on the mounting side,an second opposing edge (second edge), a first protruding channel stoplocated a first distance away from, and substantially parallel to, thefirst edge, the first protruding channel stop protruding substantiallyperpendicular from the mounting side, a second protruding channel stoplocated a second distance away from, and substantially parallel to, thesecond edge, the second protruding channel stop protruding substantiallyperpendicular from the mounting side, and wherein, the first slopedsurface sloped at a first angle, and located between the first edge andthe first protruding channel stop, and further wherein, the mountingside including a first planar portion and a second planar portion, thefirst and second planar portions being substantially parallel to eachother, and wherein the first sloped surface originating on the firstplanar portion and terminating at the second planar portion; and asubstantially planar, substantially parallelogram C-shaped cubic panel(second panel) comprising a mounting side, an interface side, a firstS-shaped upper channel adapted to slidingly engage and mate with thefirst protruding channel stop and the first edge of the first panel, thefirst S-shaped upper channel formed, in part, by an upper lip, the upperlip including a second sloped surface sloped at a second angle, and islocated to engage and mate with the first sloped surface of the firstpanel, the first and second sloped surfaces having substantially similardimensions, and wherein the first angle and second angle aresubstantially similar, and a U-shaped lower channel adapted to slidinglyengage and mate with the second protruding channel stop and the secondedge of the first panel.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housings.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the first panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housings.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housings.

According to the third aspect of the embodiments, the second panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments with reference to the following figures. Differentaspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. Thecomponents in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of theaspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate known systems and components of housing rackmounting systems used for securing rack mounted components to each otherand the rack itself.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of a rack equipment mounting systemaccording to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up side view of a U-channel sliding panel foruse in the rack equipment mounting system as shown in FIG. 2 accordingto aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close up side view of a C-shaped sliding panel foruse in the rack equipment mounting system as shown in FIG. 2 accordingto aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the rack equipment mounting system ofFIG. 2 as used in a first manner of assembly according to aspects of theembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the rack equipment mounting system ofFIG. 2 as used in a second manner of assembly according to aspects ofthe embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of trays of a rack for mounting one ormore equipment housings 106 using rack equipment mounting systemaccording to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates components of a further embodiment of a rackequipment mounting system according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up side view of a Pi-shaped sliding panel foruse with the C-channel sliding panel (also shown in FIG. 8) for use in arack equipment mounting system according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a step in the assembly of twohousings using the Pi-shaped sliding panel and C-shaped sliding panelaccording to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a further step in the assembly of twohousings using the Pi-shaped sliding panel and C-shaped sliding panelaccording to aspects of the embodiments.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate several perspective views of a further step inthe assembly of two housings using the Pi-shaped sliding panel andC-shaped sliding panel according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of a modified C-shaped sliding panel foruse in the rack equipment mounting system as shown in FIG. 2 accordingto aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a modified Pi-shaped sliding panelfor use with the modified C-channel sliding panel (also shown in FIG.17) for use in a rack equipment mounting system according to aspects ofthe embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a step in the assembly of twohousings using the modified Pi-shaped sliding panel and the modifiedC-shaped sliding panel according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a close-up side view of the mating of upperportions of the modified Pi-shaped sliding panel and the modifiedC-shaped sliding panel according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a close-up side view of the mating of lowerportions of the modified Pi-shaped sliding panel and the modifiedC-shaped sliding panel according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a side perspective view of the mating of themodified Pi-shaped sliding panel and the modified C-shaped sliding panelaccording to aspects of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which different aspects of the embodimentsare shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers andregions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appendedclaims. The detailed description that follows is written from the pointof view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood thatgenerally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to varioussubsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device orclass of devices, such as audio preamplifiers.

Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included inat least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of thephrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS IN NUMERICALORDER

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   100 Existing Component Housing Rack Mounting System-   102 Rack Mounting Panel-   104 Rack Mounting Holes-   106 Component Housing-   108 Joining Plate (Plate)-   200 Rack Equipment Mounting System-   202 H-Shaped Sliding Panel (HS Panel)-   204 C-Shaped Sliding Panel (CS Panel)-   302 HS Panel Mounting Side-   304 HS Panel U-Shaped Channel (U-Shaped Channel)-   305 HS Panel Edge-   306 U-Shaped Channel Outer Lip-   307 U-Shaped Channel Inner Lip-   308 HS Panel Interface Side-   309 U-Shaped Channel Lower Surface-   310 Mounting Screw/Bolt (Mounting) Holes-   402 CS Panel Mounting Side-   404 Lip-   405 CS Panel Edge-   406 U-Shaped Channel-   408 CS Panel Interface Side-   409 U-Shaped Channel Lower Surface-   410 Mounting Screw/Bolt Holes-   412 Inner Surface of Lip-   700 Rack-   702 Rack Tray-   802 Pi-Shaped Sliding Panel (PS Panel)-   902 Sliding Panel Interface Side-   904 U-Channel Insert-   905 PS Panel Edge-   906 Channel Stop-   907 Outer Surface of Channel Stop-   908 Mounting Screw Hole(s)-   910 Mounting Side-   1700 Modified C-Shaped Sliding (C'S) Panel-   1702 C'S Panel Mounting Side (Mounting Side)-   1703 a C'S Panel Upper Edge-   1703 b C'S Panel Lower Edge-   1704 a Upper Lip-   1704 b Lower Lip-   1705 a Upper Edge Outer Surface-   1705 b Lower Edge Outer Surface-   1706 S-shaped Upper Channel-   1707 a Upper Lip Inner Surface-   1707 b Lower Lip Inner Surface-   1708 C'S Panel Interface Side (Interface Side)-   1709 Upper Edge Inner Surface-   1710 Mounting Holes-   1711 Lower Edge Inner Surface-   1712 Sloped Surface-   1714 Set-screw Hole-   1716 Lower Channel-   1800 Modified Pi-shaped Sliding (P'S) Panel-   1802 Modified Pi Shaped Sliding Panel Mounting Side (Mounting Side)-   1804 Lower Panel Edge Vertical Surface-   1806 a Upper Channel Stop-   1806 b Lower Channel Stop-   1807 a Upper Channel Stop Outer Surface-   1807 b Lower Channel Stop Outer Surface-   1808 Modified Pi Shaped Sliding Panel Interface Side (Interface    Side)-   1810 Mounting Screw Hole(s)-   1812 Sloped Surface-   1814 a P'S Panel Upper Edge-   1814 b P'S Panel Lower Edge-   1816 S-Shaped Channel (S-Channel)-   1818 a Upper Edge Outer Surface-   1818 b Lower Edge Outer Surface

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN SPECIFICATION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

The following is a list of acronyms in alphabetical order.

CS “C” Shaped C'S Modified CS HS “H” Shaped PS Pi Shaped P'S Modified PS

Different aspects of the embodiments as described herein can beconsidered in the context of audio components, and more specifically tosystems, methods, and modes for systems, methods, and modes for joiningequipment housings together in a rack system, but is not limitedthereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

Aspects of the embodiments provide a system for mounting electronicsequipment (housing) side-by-side. Once the electronic housings arejoined together, they can be either rack mounted, used in a table topsystem, or installed as wall mount equipment. Frequently, customers arerequired to complete joining of the equipment side-by-side as theydecide to grow their functionality over time. Therefore, there is adesire to make assembly as simple as possible with minimum additionalhardware for the customers.

For 40 years Creston Electronics Inc., has been the world's leadingmanufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovatingtechnology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses.Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutionsto control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. Inaddition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlinestechnology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings,universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations.Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of theembodiments described herein, as embodied in the AMP Modular ProductSeries, can be manufactured by Crestron Electronics Inc., located inRockleigh, N.J.

FIG. 2 illustrates components of rack equipment mounting system(mounting system) 200 according to aspects of the embodiments, FIG. 3illustrates a close up side view of H-Shaped sliding panel (HS panel)202 for use in rack equipment mounting system 200 as shown in FIG. 2,and FIG. 4 illustrates a close up side view of C-shaped sliding panel(CS panel) 204 for use in rack equipment mounting system 200 as shown inFIG. 2, according to aspects of the embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, CS panel 202 comprises, in this embodiment,a pair of U-shaped channels 304 a,b located at a top and bottom of HSpanel 202 (as those of skill in the art can appreciate, the use of theterminology “top” and “bottom” are relative terms, and are not intendedto, and should not be understood, as limiting terminology; they aresimply used as location reference terms to make understanding theFigures and aspects of the embodiments easier to understand). HS panel202 is substantially planar, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, among otherFigures, and is generally fabricated to be the same length as a side ofthe equipment housing to which it can be attached to, or alternatively,it can be the side of the equipment housing and be a component of theoriginal parts list used to fabricate the equipment housing, accordingto aspects of the embodiments.

HS panel 202 comprises mounting side 302, U-shaped channels 304 a,b,edges 305 a,b, U-shaped channel outer lips (outer lips) 306 a,b,U-shaped channel inner lips (inner lips) 307 a,b, HS panel interfaceside 308, U-shaped channel lower surface (U-channel lower surface) 309,and a plurality of mounting holes 310 according to aspects of theembodiments. As discussed above, receptacle sliding panel 202 can beadded to an existing equipment housing 106, or it can replace a sidepanel of the equipment housing 106 such that it is a component partlisted in the list of build components or parts when fabricatingequipment housing 106. For the purposes of this discussion, it shall bepresumed that both receptacle sliding panel 202 and protrusion slidingpanel 204 are additional components, in the manner shown in FIGS. 2, 3,and 4. Protrusion sliding panel 204 comprises mounting side 402, lips404 a,b, U-channels 406 a,b, sliding panel interface side 408, and aplurality of mounting holes 410. Also shown in FIG. 3 are a plurality ofdimensions, H_(1a), H_(2a), H_(3a), W_(1a), and W_(2a); each will bediscussed in greater detail below.

According to aspects of the embodiments, both of receptacle slidingpanel 202 and protrusion sliding panel 204 can be mounted on respectiveequipment housings 106 a,b, respectively, such that the two can bemounted together on a tray in a rack mounting system. As such, aninstaller would secure panels 202, 204 to respective separate equipmenthousing using one or more of the plurality of holes 310, 410 to securepanels 202, 204 to their respective housing 106 a,b.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an end view of CS panel 204according to aspects of the embodiments. CS panel 204 comprises CS panelmounting side (mounting side) 402, lips 404 a,b, CS panel edges (edges)405 a,b, U-shaped channels 406 a,b, CS panel interface side 408,U-shaped channel lower surface (U-channel lower surface) 409, and aplurality of mounting holes 410 according to aspects of the embodiments.Also shown in FIG. 4 are a plurality of dimensions, H_(1b), H_(3b),W_(1b), and W_(2b); each will be discussed in greater detail below.

Once panels 202, 204 have been mounted to their respective housings 106a,b, a first housing 106 a can be slid and joined to the second housing106 b in the manner indicated by arrows A and B of FIG. 2. That is,referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, lips 404 a,b of panel 204 can fit intoU-shaped channels 304 a,b, respectively, of panel 202, and outer lips306 a,b of panel 202 fit into U-shaped channels 406 a,b of panel 204according to aspects of the embodiments. In this manner, the twohousings 106 a,b can be securely mounted to each other.

To facilitate such mating of HS panel 202 with CS panel 204, the severaldimensions of the respective panels 202, 204, are made substantiallysimilar to one another. For example, height H_(1a), the height of innerlip 307 a, defined as extending from its upper surface (part of edge 305a) to lower surface 309 a (and which is substantially similar to thedepth of U-shaped channel 304 a), is also substantially similar to theheight H_(1b) of lip 404 a of CS panel 204 (which is also substantiallysimilar to the depth of U-shaped channel 406 a of CS panel 204). Thus,lip 404 a is substantially similar in dimension to that of U-shapedchannel 304 a so that lip 404 a fits in a slidingly engaging manner withU-shaped channel 304 a. In further support of such slidingly engagement,a width W_(1b) of U-shaped channel 406 a of CS panel 204 issubstantially similar to that of width W_(1a) of inner lip 307 a of HSpanel 202. In this manner, lip 307 a fits in a slidingly engaging mannerwith U-shaped channel 406 a of CS panel 204 according to aspects of theembodiments. According to still further aspects of the embodiments,heights H_(3a), and H_(3b) are substantially similar, so that heights CSpanel H_(Total) and HS Panel H_(Total) are also substantially similar;in addition, height H_(2a) of HS panel 202 is substantially equal tothat of the sum of heights H_(1b) and H_(3b) of CS panel 204 accordingto still further aspects of the embodiments.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, panels 202, 204 canalso be used to mount housings 106 to the sides of a rack mountingsystem, and can further comprise the sides as well, such that a seriesof housings 106 can be mounted to each other and to each side of aparticular tray of a rack. As those of skill in the art can appreciate,housings 106 are typically of the same height, but have differentwidths, in order to fit within a vertical space of a tray of a rack.Even if the housings are of different heights, rack mounting system 200can still be used to mount the housings 106 together and to the sides ofthe tray of the rack. FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of trays 702 of arack 700.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of rack equipment mounting system 200 ofFIG. 2 as used in a first manner of assembly according to aspects of theembodiments. In FIG. 5, receptacle panel 202 is attached to firstequipment housing 106 a using one or more screws/bolts and holes 310according to aspects of the embodiments. Protrusion panel 204 isattached to second equipment housing 106 b using one or morescrews/bolts and holes 410 according to aspects of the embodiments.After attachment of panel 202 to housing 106 a, and attachment of panel204 to housing 106 b, panel 202 housing 106 a can be slid into panel 204of housing 106, or, alternatively, panel 204 of housing 106 b can beslid over panel 202 of housing 106 a according to aspects of theembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the rack equipment mounting system ofFIG. 2 as used in a second manner of assembly according to aspects ofthe embodiments. In FIGS. 2-5, panels 202, 204 were separate itemsattached to housings 106; in FIG. 6, panels 202, 204 are made part ofhousings 106 a,b; aside from this different, panels 202, 204 operatesubstantially similarly in the arrangement of FIG. 6 as they do in FIGS.2-5 according to aspects of the embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates components of a further embodiment of a rackequipment mounting system according to aspects of the embodiments. Inplace of HS panel 202 for use with CS panel 204, Pi-shaped sliding (PS)panel 802 can be substituted. In operation, the combination of PS panel802 with CS panel 204 is substantially similar to that of HS panel 202with CS panel 204. That is, PS panel 802 can slide onto CS panel 204 (orvisa-versa) along arrows A as shown in FIG. 8. According to aspects ofthe embodiments, PS panel 802 is shaped like the Greek letter “π” inthat there is a substantially flat portion and two substantiallyperpendicular portions on a same side and extending away from thesubstantially flat portion.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up side view of PS panel 802 for use with CSpanel 204 (also shown in FIG. 8) for use in rack equipment mountingsystem 200 according to aspects of the embodiments. PS panel 802comprises sliding panel interface side 902, which is a substantiallyflat planar portion that interfaces with interface side 408 of CS panel204. Further, PS panel 802 comprises U-channel insert 904 a,b, PS paneledges (edges) 905 a,b, channel stops 906 a,b, and mounting side 910.U-channel inserts 904 a,b are inserted into, or are enveloped by,U-shaped channels 406 a,b, respectively. Channel stops 906 a,b interfacewith lips 404 a,b to provide a smooth sliding interface. According toaspects of the embodiments, channel stops 906 a,b can extend alongsubstantially the entire length of PS panel 802, though that need notnecessarily be the case. Mounting holes 908 provide a means to mount PSpanel 802 to housing 106, as FIG. 10 illustrates.

To facilitate such mating of PS panel 802 with CS panel 204, the severaldimensions of the respective panels 802, 204, are made substantiallysimilar to one another. For example, height H_(1c), the height fromouter surface 907 a of channel stop 906 a to an outermost surface ofedge 905, is substantially similar to height H_(1b) that is the height(or depth) of U-shaped channel 406. In addition, the width of theportions of PS panel 802 that are adapted to slide within respectiveU-shaped channels 406 a,b, W_(1c), is substantially similar to that ofthe width W_(1b), which is the width of U-shaped channels 406 a,b. Thus,respective edges 905 a,b slidingly engage with and in U-shaped channels406 a,b. Additionally, outer surfaces 907 a,b of respective channelstops 906 a,b, have a width W_(2b) that is substantially equal to thatof width W_(1b) of lip 404 of CS panel 204, such that that PS panel edge905 fits in a slidingly engaging manner with U-shaped channel 406 a.According to still further aspects of the embodiments, heights CS panelH_(Total) and PS Panel H_(Total) are also substantially similar.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a side view of a first method in the assemblyof two housings using PS panel 802 and CS panel 204 according to aspectsof the embodiments. In FIG. 10, first PS panel 802 a has either alreadybeen attached to first housing 106 a, or is a component part of theassembly of first housing 106 a. First CS panel 204 a has also alreadybeen attached to first housing 106 a, sliding about first PS panel 802a, and screwed into place. Then as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, second CSpanel 204 b is being mounted directly to first CS panel 204 aback-to-back. Second PS panel 802 b and second housing 106 b, which arealready assembled together, can then slide into CS panel 204 b such thatthe two form an assembly.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate several perspective views of a second method offorming an assembly between first and second housings 106 a,b using PSpanel 802 and CS panel 204 according to aspects of the embodiments. Themanner of assembly as shown in FIGS. 12-16 differs from that of themanner of assembly as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in that in the former,first CS panel 204 is taken off of first housing 106 a and attached tosecond housing 106 b, and then the two housings 106 a,b are assembledtogether. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, housing 106 a comprises CS panel204 that is mounted onto PS panel 802. In FIG. 13, CS panel 204 is beingremoved from first housing 106 a, and in FIG. 14, CS panel 204 is beingattached to second housing 106 b. Then, in FIG. 15, second housing 106b, with CS panel 204 attached to it, is being slid onto PS panel 802that is part of first housing 106 a according to aspects of theembodiments. FIG. 16 shows the two housings 106 a,b assembled together.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of modified C-shaped sliding (C'S) panel1700 for use in rack equipment mounting system 200 as shown in FIG. 2according to aspects of the embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown an end view of C'S panel 1700according to aspects of the embodiments. C'S panel 1700 comprises C'Spanel mounting side (mounting side) 1702, C'S panel upper edge 1703 a,C'S panel lower edge 1703 b, upper lip 1704 a, lower lip 1704 b, upperedge outer surface 1705 a, lower edge outer surface 1705 b, S-shapedupper channel 1706, upper lip inner surface 1707 a, lower lip innersurface 1707 b, C'S panel interface side (interface side) 1708, upperedge inner surface 1709, mounting holes 1710, lower edge inner surface1711, sloped surface 1712, set-screw hole 1714, and lower channel 1716,according to aspects of the embodiments. Also shown in FIG. 17 are aplurality of dimensions, H_(17a), H_(17b), H_(17c), W_(17a), W_(17b),W_(17c), and W_(17d); each will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of a modified Pi-shaped sliding (P'S)panel 1800 for use with C'S panel 1700 (as shown in FIG. 17) for use inrack equipment mounting system 200 according to aspects of theembodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown an end view of P'S panel 1800according to aspects of the embodiments. P'S panel 1800 comprises P'Spanel mounting side (mounting side) 1802, lower panel edge verticalsurface 1804, upper channel stop upper 1806, lower channel stop 1806 b,upper channel stop outer surface 1807 a, upper channel stop outersurface 1807 b, modified Pi-shaped sliding panel mounting side (mountingside)1808, mounting holes 1810, sloped surface 1812, P'S panel upperedge 1814 a, P'S panel lower edge 1814 b, and S-shaped channel 1816,according to aspects of the embodiments. Also shown in FIG. 18 are aplurality of dimensions, H_(18a), H_(18b), H_(18c), W_(18a), W_(18b),W_(18c), and W_(18d); each will be discussed in greater detail below.

Similar to panels 202, 204 that can be mounted to respective housings106 a,b, C'S panel 1700 and P'S panel 1800 can also be mounted torespective housings 106 a,b, which can then be joined together throughoperation of respective S-channels 1706, 1816, as well as lower channel1716 (of C'S panel 1700) and lower channel stop 1807 b and lower edge1814 b (of P'S panel 1800), and become substantially immovably securedto each other through use of a set screw and set-screw hole 1714,according to aspects of the embodiments. That is, referring to FIGS.19-24, it can be seen that P'S panel 1800 slides into C'S panel 1700 asindicated by arrows A and B of FIG. 24. Upper edge 1814 a is shaped suchthat it fits within S-shaped channel 1706, and lower edge 1814 b isshaped such that it fits within lower channel 1716; according to furtheraspects of the embodiments, sloped surface 1712 of panel 1700 issubstantially similar in dimensions (slope angle and length or width) tothat of sloped surface 1812 of panel 1800. Further shown in both ofFIGS. 17 and 24 is set screw hole 1714, within which set screw 2402 canbe inserted and used to tighten P'S panel 1800 against C'S panel 1700 tohold a first housing 106 a against and in substantial alignment withsecond housing 106 b. That is, as set screw 2402 is tightened within setscrew hole 1714, it presses up and against a lower surface of panel edgelower 1814 b, which forces P'S panel 1800 upwards such that an upperedge outer surface 1818 a is forced against upper edge inner surface1709 according to aspects of the embodiments. Further note that in orderto mate C'S panel 1700 with P'S panel 1800, P'S panel 1800 must beinserted into C'S panel 1700 in a lengthwise direction i.e., in thedirection of arrows A and B shown in FIG. 24. According to furtheraspects of the embodiments, each of sloped surfaces 1712, 1812 formfirst and second planar portions on their respective panels 1700, 1800.That is, for example, sloped surface 1712 extends from a first planarportion of panel 1700 and its termination point forms a second planarportion, wherein the first and second planar portions of panel 1700formed by sloped surface 1712 are substantially parallel to each other;similarly sloped surface 1812 also forms first and second planarportions on panel 1800 that are also substantially parallel to eachother, according to aspects of the embodiments.

To facilitate such mating of P'S panel 1800 with C'S panel 1700, certainones of several dimensions of the respective panels 1800, 1700, are madesubstantially similar to one another. Height H_(18a), the height fromupper channel stop outer surface 1807 to upper edge outer surface 1818a, is substantially similar to height H_(17a), the height of S-shapedchannel 1706, which extends from upper lip inner surface 1707 a to upperedge inner surface 1709. Height H_(17b), the height from lower edgeinner surface 1711 to upper lip inner surface 1707 b, is sized to fitwithin height H_(18b), the height from lower channel stop outer surface1807 b, to lower edge outer surface 1818 b. Furthermore, height H_(18c),the total height of P'S panel 1800 is made substantially similar(albeit, within a known or predetermined tolerance smaller) to theheight of the interior portion of C'S panel 1700 H_(17c) The heightH_(17c) extends from upper edge inner surface 1709, to lower edge innersurface 1711. The height H_(18c) extends from upper edge outer surface1818 a, to lower edge outer surface 1818 b. Further still, heightH_(18d), the height from upper channel stop outer surface 1807 a, tolower channel stop outer surface 1807 b, is sized to fit within heightH17 d, the height from upper lip inner surface 1707 a, lower lip innersurface 1707 b.

According to further aspects of the embodiments, panels 1700, 1800 canalso be used to mount housings 106 to the sides of a rack mountingsystem, and can further comprise the sides as well, such that a seriesof housings 106 can be mounted to each other and to each side of aparticular tray of a rack. As those of skill in the art can appreciate,housings 106 are typically of the same height, but have differentwidths, in order to fit within a vertical space of a tray of a rack.Even if the housings are of different heights, rack mounting system 200can still be used to mount the housings 106 together and to the sides ofthe tray of the rack.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of a step in the assembly of twohousings using C'S panel 1700 and P'S panel 1800 according to aspects ofthe embodiments. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a close-up side view of themating of upper portions of P'S panel 1800 and C'S panel 1700 accordingto aspects of the embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the slope ofeach of sloped surfaces 1712, 1812 of C'S panel 1600 and P'S panel 1800is substantially similar to each other, using an angle θ₁. According toaspects of the embodiments, angle θ₁ is about 55°, and can range fromabout 49.5° degrees to about 60.5°. When set screw 2402 is inserted inset-screw hole 1714, and screwed in an upward direction, such that itmoves against lower edge outer surface 1818 b, it pushes P'S panel 1800in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 21, such that the twopanels 1700, 1800 are locked together, according to aspects of theembodiments.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a close-up side view of the mating of lowerportions of P'S panel 1800 and C'S panel 1700 according to aspects ofthe embodiments. FIG. 24 illustrates a side perspective view of themating of P'S panel 1800 and C'S panel according to aspects of theembodiments.

The disclosed embodiments provide systems, modes, and methods forjoining equipment housings together in a rack system. It should beunderstood that this description is not intended to limit theembodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in thespirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerousspecific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understandingof the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art wouldunderstand that various embodiments may be practiced without suchspecific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments aredescribed being in particular combinations, each feature or element canbe used alone, without the other features and elements of theembodiments, or in various combinations with or without other featuresand elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosedto enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by theclaims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled inthe art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of theclaims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in allrespects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus theembodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementationthat can be derived from the description contained herein by a personskilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in thedescription of the present application should be construed as criticalor essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such.Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or moreitems.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, andpublications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the aspects of the embodiments aredirected towards systems, methods, and modes for joining equipmenthousings together in a rack system.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for joining electronic equipmenthousings together in a rack system, the system comprising: a firstsubstantially planar, substantially parallelogram H-shaped cubic panel(first panel) comprising a first edge, a second opposing edge (secondedge), a first U-shaped channel on the first edge, a second U-shapedchannel on the second edge; and a second substantially planar,substantially parallelogram C-shaped cubic panel (second panel)comprising a first U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidingly engage andmate with the first U-shaped channel on the first edge of the firstpanel, and a second U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidingly engage andmate with the second U-shaped channel on the second edge of the firstpanel.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond U-shaped lip channels comprise: a lip portion adapted toslidingly engage and fit into respective first and second U-shapedchannels on the first and second edges.
 3. The system according to claim2, wherein each of the first and second U-shaped channels comprise: anouter wall portion that has a first height extending from an uppermostportion of the respective edge to a bottom of the U-shaped channel; andan inner wall portion that has a second height extending from anuppermost portion of the inner wall to the bottom of the U-shapedchannel, and wherein a depth of the U-shaped channel is substantiallysimilar to the second height.
 4. The system according to claim 3,wherein, the second height is less than the first height.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 3, wherein a length of the lip portion is just lessthan the depth of the U-shaped channel.
 6. The system according to claim1, wherein the first panel is further adapted to be attached to arespective one of the housings.
 7. The system according to claim 1,wherein the first panel is further adapted to be made part of arespective one of the housings.
 8. The system according to claim 1,wherein the second panel is further adapted to be attached to arespective one of the housings.
 9. The system according to claim 1,wherein the second panel is further adapted to be made part of arespective one of the housings.
 10. A system for joining electronicequipment housings together in a rack system, the system comprising: afirst substantially planar, substantially parallelogram Pi-shaped cubicpanel (first panel) comprising a first edge, an opposing second edge(second edge), a first protruding channel stop placed a first distanceaway from, and substantially parallel to, the first edge, a secondprotruding channel stop placed a second distance away from, andsubstantially parallel to, the second edge; and a second substantiallyplanar, substantially parallelogram C-shaped cubic panel (second panel)comprising a first U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidingly engage andmate with the first protruding channel stop and the first edge of thefirst panel, and a second U-shaped lip channel adapted to slidinglyengage and mate with the second protruding channel stop and the secondedge of the first panel.
 11. The system according to claim 10, whereineach of the first and second U-shaped lip channels comprise: a lipportion adapted to slidingly engage and fit onto respective first andsecond protruding channel stops.
 12. The system according to claim 10,wherein the first panel is further adapted to be attached to arespective one of the housing.
 13. The system according to claim 10,wherein the first panel is further adapted to be made part of arespective one of the housing.
 14. The system according to claim 10,wherein the second panel is further adapted to be attached a respectiveone of the housing.
 15. The system according to claim 10, wherein thesecond panel is further adapted to be made part of a respective one ofthe housing.
 16. The system according to claim 10, wherein each of thefirst and second protruding channel stops comprises a first surfaceextending from a first side of the first panel having a first width, andeach of the lip portions includes an inner surface that interfaces withrespective ones of the first and second protruding channel stops, andwherein each of the lip portions comprise a second surface having asecond width dimension substantially equal to the first width dimension.17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the first panel furthercomprises a first height that extends from an outer surface ofrespective ones of the first and second protruding channel stops to anouter surface of respective ones of the edges, and the second portionfurther comprises a depth of the U-shaped channel that is substantiallyequal to the first height, such that the portion of the first panel thatcorresponds to the first height fits in a slidingly engagingly mannerwithin the U-shaped channel.
 18. A system for joining electronicequipment housings together in a rack system, the system comprising: asubstantially planar, substantially parallelogram Pi-shaped cubic panel(first panel) comprising— a mounting side, an interface side oppositeand substantially parallel to, the mounting side, a first edge, a firstsloped surface located on the mounting side, an second opposing edge(second edge), a first protruding channel stop located a first distanceaway from, and substantially parallel to, the first edge, the firstprotruding channel stop protruding substantially perpendicular from themounting side, a second protruding channel stop located a seconddistance away from, and substantially parallel to, the second edge, thesecond protruding channel stop protruding substantially perpendicularfrom the mounting side, and wherein, the first sloped surface sloped ata first angle, and located between the first edge and the firstprotruding channel stop, and further wherein, the mounting sideincluding a first planar portion and a second planar portion, the firstand second planar portions being substantially parallel to each other,and wherein the first sloped surface originating on the first planarportion and terminating at the second planar portion; and asubstantially planar, substantially parallelogram C-shaped cubic panel(second panel) comprising a mounting side, an interface side, a firstS-shaped upper channel adapted to slidingly engage and mate with thefirst protruding channel stop and the first edge of the first panel, thefirst S-shaped upper channel formed, in part, by an upper lip, the upperlip including a second sloped surface sloped at a second angle, and islocated to engage and mate with the first sloped surface of the firstpanel, the first and second sloped surfaces having substantially similardimensions, and wherein the first angle and second angle aresubstantially similar, and a U-shaped lower channel adapted to slidinglyengage and mate with the second protruding channel stop and the secondedge of the first panel.
 19. The system according to claim 18, whereinthe first panel is further adapted to be attached to a respective one ofthe housings.
 20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the firstpanel is further adapted to be made part of a respective one of thehousings.
 21. The system according to claim 18, wherein the second panelis further adapted to be attached to a respective one of the housings.22. The system according to claim 10, wherein the second panel isfurther adapted to be made part of a respective one of the housings.